“I participated in an Influencer Program on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for MassMutual. I received a promotional item to thank me for participating.” www.momcentralconsulting.com

The American dream was not something I thought about as a young woman, but I sure did have my own dream. I remember writing it down and intending with all my heart to get it done.

I wanted to attend college, find a good job, work as hard as I could to purchase my own home and then a car. Along the way I wanted to adopt children and have a strong family. But most of all I knew I would have to work very hard and I was fortifying myself to do so in all my young years.

Of course as you plan, life happens.

I ended up being married instead, moving to America and settling into being a stay at home mom.

Then I learn of the American dream. It wasn't something I thought too much about because I already held beliefs along that line already. But who doesn't want to have that life?

I want the education that gives me options in the job market. I want the home that build memories, credit and good value. I want the family, community and strong future for my children. And I want to be able to retire and enjoy the later years in a leisurely manner. That is what the American dream looks like for me.

However I've noticed over the years that, the American dream seems to be a mirage for our family. As we get older and this slips from our grasp, we focus more on making this dream a reality for our children.

I still desire to return to school for my personal achievement and also find a quality job that would work well with balancing my family.

We will continue to work hard and invest in our children's future so they can have the strong education needed to have a leg up going into their future journey of attaining the American Dream. I cannot predict what it will be for my children, but with all the knowledge being gained and the changing of the world, I'm sure what the American Dream looks like for every family will continue to change.
MassMutual, a leading mutual life insurance company, conducted its third biennial State of the American Family Study, which offers a broad snapshot of American families’ financial views. The study found that while confidence in the American Dream may be declining, Americans’ financial satisfaction is on the rise. In fact, nearly three in ten (27 percent) American families are satisfied with their current financial situation, up from 18 percent in 2009.

Some of the statistics I find very impacting in this study are:

MassMutual’s survey also found that views vary between demographic groups.

50% of women say saving for their children's college education is a top financial priority and 48% say they also insist on paying for it. Men, on the other hand, fall in at 40% and 42%

Among ethnic groups surveyed, African Americans and Chinese Americans maintain a particularly strong belief in the American Dream. Only 17 percent of Chinese American respondents and 28 percent of African Americans believe the American Dream is disappearing. Notably, Caucasian respondents held more negative views than any other ethnic group: Forty-two percent believe the American Dream is disappearing.

Women are less likely than men to have estimated how much savings they will need (55% vs 67%) in retirement, but when a plan is developed, they tend to stick with it more than their male counterparts
The State of the American Family research series highlights the ways in which American families are putting financial values into practice and how their perspectives are changing the way they manage and plan for their households' finances now and in the future.Topics covered include:

Family dynamics including an understanding of how parents define "family"

Perceptions of the American Dream

Debt

Saving for college

Planning for retirement

Planning for long-term care or caregiving

Financial literacy or the use of financial professionals

Over the past few years, the study has shown that American families have become much more involved with their finances and have expressed a higher level of financial satisfaction as a result. This positive momentum, coupled with improved market conditions, gives Americans the opportunity to take greater control over their futures and focus on those people and activities that matter most to them.

To learn how MassMutual can help families achieve their American Dream today, please review the MassMutual Family Finances study here: http://bit.ly/M9xloU

“I participated in an Influencer Program on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for MassMutual. I received a promotional item to thank me for participating.” www.momcentralconsulting.com

Colette is a busy mom of 2 kids focusing solely on being a mom. She hails from the Caribbean and now balances the full life of being a SAHM and dabbling in odd jobs to help around the home. She enjoys sharing her memories, hopes, food, travel, entertainment, and product experiences on her blog.
Please read my disclosure Tweet

Thanks So Much for Sharing This Post on the Mass Mutual American Dream Study, I Really Appreciate it! I Know Everyone Wants the American Dream and to Set Up a Great Future For Your Kids! I Wish I Would Have Gone to College When I Was Younger and I Made Pretty Good Grades So I Probably Could Have Gotten a Decent Scholarship Too! I Know it's Never Too Late to Go Back to School but I Couldn't Afford it Now! I Guess We All Have Regrets Though and I Guess Atleast I'm Not the Only One That Has Some Regrets About Their Life Decisions! Well Thanks Again for Sharing, Have a Blessed Day! - Jana

About Me

Colette is a busy mom of two children. This LA girl is from the Caribbean and loves the arts, sharing reviews, giveaways and a host of eclectic topics on her website. She is quite busy on the social media circuit and is always up for learning and sharing great ideas that will aid in living a successful lifestyle. Find me at www.jamericanspice